A useful Describe Image template helps you organize what you can see. Start with the subject, select a few meaningful details and finish with an observation supported by the image. The wording should make the information clearer rather than add sentences that could describe any picture.
You have 25 seconds to prepare and 40 seconds to respond. The patterns below are starting points: replace the bracketed text, adjust the grammar and leave out any sentence that does not fit the image.
The worked examples are illustrative practice exercises. Use only the information stated in each exercise or supported by the actual image.
Choose your template
| What the image shows | A useful focus |
|---|---|
| A bar chart | Category comparisons and the highest or lowest values |
| A line graph | Change over time and meaningful differences between lines |
| A pie chart | Proportions and the largest or smallest shares |
| A table | The most important comparisons across rows or columns |
| Combined charts | The relationship between the displays |
| A map or floor plan | Locations, layout or a clearly shown change |
| A process | Stages in the correct sequence |
| A cycle | Stages and the connection back to the beginning |
| A photograph or illustration | The main subject, visible actions and spatial relationships |
These are variations within Describe Image, not separate exam tasks.
1. A flexible starting structure
Use this when you need a simple plan before choosing more specific language.
The image shows [main subject]. The main feature is [important observation]. Another detail is [second observation]. [Explain a comparison, relationship or sequence]. Overall, [main pattern supported by the image].
Keep the overview specific. “The chart compares three ways of travelling to work” tells the listener more than “The image contains important information.”
2. Bar charts
Use this pattern to compare categories. Check the labels and units before you decide which value is largest.
The bar chart compares [measure] across [categories]. [Category A] has the highest [number or proportion], at [value and unit]. By comparison, [category B] records [value], while [category C] has the lowest figure, at [value]. Overall, [main comparison].
If the bars represent different years, describe a change only after checking that you are comparing the same measure and category across time.
Imagine a chart of preferred travel methods: bus 40%, car 35% and bicycle 25%.
The bar chart compares three preferred ways to travel. The bus has the largest share, at 40%, followed by the car at 35%. Cycling accounts for 25%, making it the least popular option. Overall, the bus leads, although its share is only five percentage points higher than the car's.
3. Line graphs
Use this pattern when the horizontal axis represents time. Describe the overall direction before adding selected values.
The line graph shows changes in [measure] between [start] and [end]. [Series A] begins at [value] and ends at [value], showing [an overall rise, an overall fall or little overall change]. It reaches its [highest or lowest] point in [period]. Meanwhile, [series B or another important feature]. Overall, [main trend or comparison].
For a single line, use the fourth sentence for a noticeable fluctuation or period of stability. For several lines, compare the most informative ones rather than reading every point.
Useful expressions include rose steadily, fell sharply, remained stable and fluctuated. Use them only when the shape of the line supports the description.
Similar starting and ending values do not necessarily mean the line remained stable: it may have fluctuated in between. When useful, identify the axes with “The horizontal axis shows [periods], and the vertical axis measures [quantity] in [units].”
A graph shows 200 visitors in January, 250 in February, 220 in March and 300 in April.
The line graph shows monthly visitor numbers from January to April. The figure rises from 200 in January to 250 in February, before falling to 220 in March. It then reaches 300 in April, the highest point shown. Overall, visitor numbers increase despite a temporary decline in March.
4. Pie charts
Focus on how a whole is divided. Use share, proportion or percentage when appropriate.
The pie chart shows the distribution of [total or topic] across [categories]. [Category A] represents the largest share, at [percentage]. This is followed by [category B], at [percentage], while [category C] accounts for [percentage]. Overall, [main observation about the distribution].
If there are two pie charts, compare matching categories between them. Do not describe a time trend unless the charts actually show different periods.
5. Tables
A table may contain too much information to read aloud in full. Select the comparisons that best explain it.
The table compares [measure] for [groups or categories]. [Category A] has the highest figure for [measure], at [value and unit], while [category B] has the lowest, at [value]. Another noticeable difference is [second comparison]. Overall, [main pattern].
When columns use different units, name the relevant unit. A cost and a percentage should not be presented as directly comparable amounts.
6. Combined charts
Use this when two displays provide related information, such as a bar chart and a line graph.
The charts present [measure one] and [measure two] for [subject or period]. The [first chart] shows [main feature]. The [second chart] indicates [main feature]. Comparing the two, [supported relationship]. Overall, [shared pattern or important difference].
Describe a relationship only when the data supports it. Two measures increasing together does not establish that one caused the other.
7. Maps and floor plans
For a layout, focus on where important features are located relative to one another.
The map shows the layout of [place]. [Feature A] is located [position], while [feature B] is [position relative to A]. [Feature C] is beside [reference point]. [A path, road or other feature] connects [locations]. Overall, [main spatial arrangement].
Use on the left or at the top unless a compass or other information establishes north, south, east and west.
For a map showing numerical data, use the relevant labels and legend:
The map compares [measure] across [regions]. [Region A] records the highest [value or range], while [region B] has the lowest. [Another region] falls within [range]. Overall, [main geographic pattern visible on the map].
For before-and-after maps, describe a verified change, such as “The former car park has been replaced by a garden.”
8. Processes
Follow the arrows or numbered stages. Combine minor stages if necessary, while keeping their order clear.
The diagram shows how [process or product] is [completed or produced]. First, [initial action]. Next, [second action]. After this, [third action]. Finally, [last action or outcome].
A paper recycling diagram shows used paper being collected, sorted, mixed with water, pressed and dried.
The diagram shows a paper recycling process. First, used paper is collected and sorted. It is then mixed with water. Next, the material is pressed and dried, which is the final stage shown. Overall, the diagram presents a sequence from paper collection to drying.
The final sentence summarizes the stages shown. Do not add an intermediate material or a final product unless the diagram supports it, or claim that the process repeats unless a return to an earlier stage is shown.
9. Cycles
Use this variation when the image explicitly connects the final stage back to the beginning.
The diagram illustrates the cycle of [subject]. It begins with [stage one], followed by [stage two]. Next, [stage three]. Finally, [last stage] leads back to [starting stage], allowing the cycle to continue.
Describe the actual transition between stages. Avoid saying that every process starts again automatically.
10. Photographs and illustrations
Describe the main subject before moving to the surrounding details.
The picture shows [main subject or visible scene]. In the foreground, [person or object] is [visible action or position]. Behind this, [second detail]. On the [left or right], [third detail]. Together, these features show [brief description of the visible scene].
Imagine a photograph of three adults working at a table. Two are looking at a laptop while the third writes in a notebook. Documents cover part of the table, and a whiteboard is behind the group.
The photograph shows three adults working together at a table. Two people are looking at an open laptop, while the third is writing in a notebook. Several documents are spread across the table, and a whiteboard stands behind the group. Overall, the group is working with digital and printed material.
Avoid inventing occupations, emotions or an outcome that cannot be seen.
Check the completed response
Confirm that the topic, values, units and comparisons match the image. Use a manageable number of details and a natural speaking pace. Replace generic comments about colours or usefulness with information that helps the listener understand the image.
During practice, record one attempt using a template and then try a different image of the same type. This checks whether you can adapt the structure instead of memorizing one answer.
